Synergistic Effect of Free and Nano-encapsulated Chrysin-Curcumin on Inhibition of hTERT Gene Expression in SW480 Colorectal Cancer Cell Line

Background Telomerase is known as a global therapeutic target in cancer cells due to its main role in tumorigenesis. Nowadays, it is proposed new treatment methods based on molecular target therapy by bioactive substances such as curcumin and chrysin with fewer side effects than other chemical drugs. But due to their low aqueous solubility and high clearance in the bloodstream it can be used of nanoparticles to increase their half-life and biocompatibility of them. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of Chrysin-Curcumin on the expression of telomerase gene in SW480 colorectal cancer cell line. Material and method PLGA-PEG nanoparticles synthesized and were confirmed using by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and FTIR Spectroscopy. After treatment of SW480 cells by curcumin and chrysin loaded nanoparticles, their toxicity to cancer cells, was evaluated by MTT. Then, the inhibition of hTERT gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR method. Result The results of MTT test showed nanocapsulated curcumin and chrysin compared with free forms of these compounds have high synergistic effect on sw480 cells. Also, real time-PCR showed significant decrease in hTERT gene expression in SW480 cells that treated with nano-curcumin and nanochrysin compare to untreated cells. Conclusion Nano-encapsulation of curcumin and chrysin enhanced delivery of these compounds to SW480 colorectal cancer cells and therefore it can be conclude that PLGA-PEG nanoparticles promote anticancer effects of curcumin-chrysin by increasing bioavailability and the solubility of these drugs.